6 Companies Building the Car of the Future

A look at who's behind the tech in the cabin and under the hood

Microsoft

Software behemoth Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is largely responsible for the technology explosion of the past three decades, and not surprisingly, it’s likely to play a role in building the car of the future. If you buy a new Ford model, it’s probably equipped with Ford SYNC, which is a factory-installed, fully integrated in-car communications and entertainment system that allows drivers to combine their digital lifestyles with their life on the road.

Ford’s SYNC is powered by Windows Embedded Automotive, also known as Microsoft Auto. The inboard software system allows you to digitally interact with the vehicle, and it enables us to do what we all are likely to do more of in the future, and that’s communicate with others in a variety of new digital ways.